Renewable Resources for the Production of Fuels and Chemicals

Fossil resources can be conserved by the use of renewable resources, primarily wood, either for the generation of energy or by the production of synthetic polymers using renewable materials as feedstocks. The sources of renewable resources for energy generation are summarized. The forms of energy generation possible from biomass are discussed. The production of chemicals and polymers from biomass is somewhat limited but still of conservation value. The chemical and by-product potential of renewable resources is evaluated. Production of chemicals by gasification is also briefly considered. (JSR)